Scholarships

Unless otherwise noted, CSEAS scholarships and fellowships have been consolidated on the UH Star System at http://www.star.hawaii.edu. Click “Scholarships” and use the advanced search to look for the scholarships/fellowships listed below. After you have located the scholarship/fellowship, click on “Apply” and you will be directed to the application form and extended award requirements. Please follow all directions to insure a proper application has been submitted and the deadline for each application has been met.

Southeast Asia Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships (FLAS)

Recipients must be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate program at the University of Hawai′i at Mānoa and studying an eligible Southeast Asian language (Cambodian, Tagalog, Indonesian, Thai, and Vietnamese) during the award period. Undergraduate recipients must have completed a minimum of two years of Southeast Asian language study. Academic year fellowship recipients at both undergrad and grad levels must take at least one language course and a matching area studies course each semester, and Summer fellowship recipients must enroll in an approved formal intensive language training program with 120 hours of instruction at the advanced level, or 140 hours of instruction at lower levels, for a period of 6 weeks or longer. Summer recipients are encouraged to enroll in the Southeast Asian Studies Summer Institute (SEASSI) at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Questions should be addressed to School of Pacific & Asian Studies Fellowships Coordinator, Dr. Chizuko Allen, at 956-2210 or chizuko@hawaii.edu.

Starr Foundation Graduate Fellowship in Asian Studies

The University of Hawaiʻi Foundation was established in 1955 to encourage private support for the University of Hawaiʻi. Today it is the central fundraising organization for the UH System, providing a range of professional fundraising services to all 10 UH campuses, in addition to managing more than 5,000 gift accounts for the benefit of the university and its students.

This fund is to assist graduate students in Asian Studies w/field study expenses, summer language study, research or conference travel & general study expenses.

The Moscotti Fellowship for Graduate Studies of Southeast Asia

To assist full-time, classified graduate students in a degree program at UHM in any department or program in the arts, humanities or social sciences whose area of focus is Southeast Asia.

This fellowship may be used for any of the following purposes:

to attend a professional meeting at which the graduate student will present a scholarly paper or participate in the meeting as a discussant of a scholarly paper; to provide travel expenses for Southeast Asia graduate students so that they can conduct research which will contribute to the preparation of a scholarly paper by the student or other appropriate research purposes.

The travel may be to locations in the United States or abroad and can be used for library research etc., or for field research, but the award generally favors applicants who are presenting their work at a professional conference or workshop.

Deadline: Late January 2016 |Apply on STAR | Average Award: $750-1,500

The John Fee Embree Endowed Scholarship

The John Fee Embree Endowed Scholarship was established to honor the late Asia scholar, Professor John Fee Embree. Dr. Embree served as Professor of Anthropology at the University of Hawaii in 1937–41 and during World War II in 1943–45. He was also Associate Professor of Anthropology and head of the Japanese area studies of the Civil Affairs Training School for the Far East which the War Department set up at the University of Chicago for the training of military government officers for Japan and the Occupied Areas. He was Associate Professor of Sociology and Research Associate of Anthropology at Yale from 1948 to 1950 and, later in the year, was appointed the university’s Director of Southeast Asia Studies.

The scholarship for up to $1,100 is earmarked to assist graduate students in anthropology or sociology who are concentrating their academic work on Southeast Asia related studies at UHM. Note: This scholarship was not available for the 2015 – 2016 academic year. It will be available again for the 2016 – 2017 academic year.

Deadline: Check back in the fall for information on 2016 application deadline | Apply on STAR

UH Mānoa Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program

The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) provides undergraduate students at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa with access to research opportunities. UROP offers research and presentation awards for student-initiated independent undergraduate research and creative endeavors at UH Mānoa. UROP is also a resource for UH students to connect with researchers worldwide. UROP encourages and funds student-initiated undergraduate research projects and creative works to continue UH Mānoa’s rich legacy of research-driven education and encourages applications from students whose research interests focus on Southeast Asia. Funding is available to exceptional UH Mānoa undergraduate students who propose original research or creative work to be mentored by UH Mānoa faculty. The purpose of research or creative work should be to add to the collective knowledge of society. Research and creative projects take many forms depending on the field of study. We encourage UH Mānoa students developing proposals to consider the various ways their discipline approaches research or creative work.

Students who meet the application requirements are eligible to apply for one award per proposal cycle. There are two types of awards for each proposal cycle: Project Awards and Presentation Awards. Funds up to $5,000 per individual and $10,000 per group project are available at the discretion of the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Council (UROC) based on proposal, application, and mentor form. Group proposals involve two or more undergraduate students working collaboratively toward a common goal or producing a presentation. UROP offers two application cycles wherein students may apply for funding for research or creative projects that will commence as early as the start of their next semester of enrollment.

Deadline: Proposals are accepted from 9/9 until 10/10 each Fall, and from 2/2 until 3/3 each Spring. | Learn More

UH Mānoa Study Abroad Opportunities

There are a range of study abroad opportunities and programs open to students at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in Southeast Asia. For more information and applicable application deadlines see:

External Scholarships for Study at UHM

Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Program Deadline: Early November Annually | More Information
The Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) provides support for graduate (post-baccalaureate) studies in ADB-approved fields of study at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa (UHM), and for participation in the educational, residential, and leadership development programs at the East-West Center (EWC). The ADB-JSP was established to encourage and strengthen human resource development in ADB’s developing member countries. After completing their studies, scholars are expected to return to their home countries to apply and share their new knowledge and skills to promote socioeconomic development. To make certain you are eligible to apply for the ADB-JSP Scholarship please read carefully all of the ADB eligibility requirements, criteria for selection, and Frequently Asked Questions on the ADB website and the EWC website.

East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship Deadline: Early November Annually | More Information
The East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship provides funding for up to 24 months for Master’s or Doctoral degree study for graduate students from Asia, the Pacific, and the U.S. to participate in the educational, residential, and leadership development programs at the East-West Center while pursuing graduate study at the University of Hawai‘i. Through East-West Center affiliation, awardees become part of a growing network of students and alumni forging the shape and substance of the world’s most vibrant region. The Center and the University of Hawai‘i, located in a unique island setting with a distinctive multicultural heritage, offer premier resources for studies on Asia, the Pacific, and the U.S.

East-West Center Asia Pacific Leadership Program (APLP) Deadline: Apply September – March for following AY | More Information
The APLP is a nine-month program (early-August to early-May) with a minimum five-month residency requirement. During the first five months all participants are based at the East-West Center in Honolulu and live on campus. On completing the program, participants understand key trends which will affect the region in the future, what types of leadership these trends require, and how they fit within these shifting contexts as individuals and community leaders. Applications are accepted from students worldwide. The 35 – 40 participants selected each year have strong leadership experience or exhibit high leadership potential. All participants have at least a Bachelor’s degree and most have a Master’s degree. APLP participants have come from 53 countries and have tremendous range of backgrounds (as examples: science, business, development, politics, government, civil society, medicine, religious orders, art, finance, academia or research). The age of participants ranges from mid 20s to mid 40s with an average of over 30. Most have at least five years of professional experience. Program costs, based on 2014/15 budget, are approximately $12,745 not including airfare. Supplemental Scholarships are available but applications must apply early in the application cycle for best chance of receiving scholarship funding.

East West Center Student Affiliate Program – For Housing in EWC Dormitories Deadline: Early April for Fall Semester or Early November for Spring Semester | More Information
The East-West Center Student Affiliate Program was established to expand opportunities for involvement in the programs of the East-West Center. The East-West Center Student Affiliate Program gives externally funded (e.g., Fulbright Scholarship) or self-funded graduate students at the University Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UHM) the opportunity to participate in the Center’s educational programs and leadership development opportunities, and to live in its international residence halls for a discounted rate for a furnished, single room. The Student Affiliate Program provides an opportunity for these individuals to interact on a daily basis with the Center’s degree fellows, scholars, and other participants from across the U.S. and more than 50 countries, and has proved for many to be instrumental in helping to establish lasting relations that extend into future careers or other endeavors.

Student Prizes & Awards

The Pattana Kitiarsa Southeast Asia Council Prize for Best Graduate Student Paper Deadline: April 3 | More Information

The AAS Southeast Asia Council’s annual prize recognizes emerging scholarship in the field of Southeast Asian studies, from any disciplinary perspective. Graduate students at any stage, enrolled at the time of submission, are eligible and welcome to apply. The committee invites papers that fit the definition of “conference papers,” i.e. of a length and scope that can be presented on an AAS panel, and that make an intellectual and/or methodological contribution to the study of Southeast Asia.

External Funding for Faculty

AsiaNetwork Post-Doctoral Teaching Fellow ProgramDeadline: November 30, 2015 for 2016/17 Teaching Fellow Program | More Information
Through the generous support of the Henry Luce Foundation, ASIANetwork has been providing its member colleges with grants to support the hiring of a postdoctoral teaching fellow in Asian Studies. ASIANetwork – Luce Teaching Fellows (recent recipients of a terminal degree from a North American university) spend one year at an ASIANetwork college, teaching and participating in the intellectual and cultural life of the host college. ASIANetwork will award three grants each year for three academic years (2014-15, 2015-16, and 2016-17).

Fulbright CORE Scholar Program for Faculty & Experienced Professionals Deadline: Early August | More Information
The core Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program provides approximately 800 teaching and/or research grants to U.S. faculty and experienced professionals in a wide variety of academic and professional fields. Grants are available in over 125 countries worldwide. Grant lengths vary in duration: applicants can propose projects for a period of two to 12 months, as specified in the award description. In addition, flexible options may be available.

Fulbright Specialist Program for Scholars & ProfessionalsDeadline: Rolling | More Information
The Fulbright Specialist Program (FSP) promotes linkages between U.S. scholars and professionals and their counterparts at host institutions overseas. Grant Duration: Two- to six-weeks.

External Scholarships for Student Study or Research in Southeast Asia

American Institute for Indonesian Studies
Deadline: Mid-November | More Information

The American Institute for Indonesian Studies (AIFIS) invites applications from American and Indonesian scholars who wish to conduct research across the field of contemporary and traditional Indonesian studies. Grants of $5,000 each are available to American and Indonesian scholars. Funds may be applied towards travel, accommodation and support, or research activities in Indonesia for American scholars. For Indonesian scholars, funds are available exclusively to support travel to the United States for the purpose of collaborating with a researcher (graduate student, faculty, or other affiliate) at a U.S. institution of higher learning. They are designed to cover travel, accommodation, and support for the Indonesian researcher while in the United States. Collaboration with an American partner is essential for these grants.

Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship for Undergraduate Study AbroadDeadlines: Early March for Fall/AY; Early October for Spring; Early March for Summer | More Information

The Gilman Scholarship Program aims to diversify the kinds of students who study and intern abroad and the countries and regions where they go by offering awards to U.S. undergraduates who might otherwise not participate due to financial constraints. The Gilman Scholarship Program is open to U.S. citizen undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study and intern abroad programs worldwide.

The Blakemore Freeman Fellowships fund an academic year of advanced language study abroad of Chinese, Japanese, Korean and selected Southeast Asian languages. Since 1990, the Foundation has awarded over $14 million in language grants to individuals using an East or Southeast Asian language in their careers. Superior candidates pursuing careers in fields such as STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), international business, accounting, law, medicine, journalism, architecture, teaching, social or NGO work, government service, and academia are encouraged to apply. An applicant must have (at minimum) a bachelor’s degree and have completed at least three years of study of the language at the college level by the start of the grant. Blakemore Refresher Grants provide individuals in mid-career an opportunity to refresh their advanced Asian language skills by attending a full-time language program for a summer or semester.

Critical Language ScholarshipsDeadline: Early to Mid-November | More Information

The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a fully-funded overseas language and cultural immersion program for American undergraduate and graduate students. With the goal of broadening the base of Americans studying and mastering critical languages and building relationships between the people of the United States and other countries, CLS provides study opportunities to a diverse range of students from across the United States at every level of language learning. mastering critical foreign languages. Students of diverse disciplines and majors are encouraged to apply. Participants are expected to continue their language study beyond the scholarship period, and later apply their critical language skills in their future professional careers. Please visit the CLS Institutes page for more information.

NSEP awards Boren Fellowships to outstanding U.S. graduate students through a competitive national merit-based process. Since 1994, NSEP has awarded over 1,646 Boren Fellowships to degree-seeking masters and doctoral students. Boren Fellowships are granted to motivated individuals who develop independent overseas projects that combine language and culture study with professional practical experiences. Awards for up to $30,000 over two years are given to applicants who demonstrate the highest intellectual and professional capacity along with a commitment to U.S. Government service for at least one year. Former Boren Scholars may compete for Boren Fellowships.

NSEP awards David L. Boren Scholarships to outstanding U.S. undergraduates through a competitive national merit-based process. Since 1994, NSEP has awarded approximately 2,828 Boren Scholarships. Each Boren Scholar goes abroad to a critical country to study its language and culture. Awards are for up to one academic year. Boren Scholars demonstrate their merit for an award of up to $20,000 in part by committing to work for the U.S. Government for at least one year. Students must apply by early February for study abroad commencing in the following academic year. Funding available for year-long, semester, and summer study abroad. On-campus deadline will be earlier than the national deadline.

Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research AbroadOn-Campus Deadline: Apply through Office of Graduate Education in early spring | More Information
This program provides grants to colleges and universities to fund individual doctoral students who conduct research in other countries, in modern foreign languages and area studies for periods of six to 12 months.Graduate students in doctoral programs in the fields of foreign languages and area studies must apply through the institutions in which they are enrolled. Students may propose research for 6 to 12 months.

Fulbright U.S. Student Program in Southeast AsiaOn-Campus Deadline: Apply through Office of Graduate Education by mid-September for following AY
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides grants for individually designed study/research projects or for English Teaching Assistant Programs. During their grants, Fulbrighters will meet, work, live with and learn from the people of the host country, sharing daily experiences. The program facilitates cultural exchange through direct interaction on an individual basis in the classroom, field, home, and in routine tasks, allowing the grantee to gain an appreciation of others’ viewpoints and beliefs, the way they do things, and the way they think. Through engagement in the community, the individual will interact with their hosts on a one-to-one basis in an atmosphere of openness, academic integrity, and intellectual freedom, thereby promoting mutual understanding.

Grant lengths and dates vary by country. Please consult the specific country summary for details. In Southeast Asia for the 2016 – 2017 Fulbright U.S. Student Program grants were available in the following countries:

National Geographic Young Explorers GrantsDeadlines: See Website | More Information
Young Explorers Grants offer opportunities to individuals ages 18 to 25 to pursue research, conservation, and exploration-related projects consistent with National Geographic’s existing grant programs, including: the Committee for Research and Exploration (CRE), the Expeditions Council (EC), and the Conservation Trust (CT). In addition, the YEG program recently teamed with the Luce Foundation to provide increased funding opportunities for fieldwork in 18 Northeast and Southeast Asian countries, including Brunei, Burma/Myanmar, Cambodia, China, East Timor, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The Young Explorers Grants Program supports a variety of projects—and an age-range of applicants—that are generally not covered by other sources of funding. Applicants are not required to have advanced degrees. However, a record of prior experience in the fields of research, conservation, or exploration should be submitted as it pertains to the proposed project. Funding is not restricted to United States citizens—foreign nationals are invited to apply. Researchers planning work in countries abroad should make great effort to include at least one local collaborator as part of their team. Young Explorers Grants vary in amount depending on significance of the project, though most range between US $2,000 and $5,000 at the maximum. National Geographic Society funds often serve as complementary support—thus the program encourages applicants to seek additional, concurrent funding from other sources.

Rotary Peace Fellowship – Professional Development Certificate in ThailandDeadlines: Contact your local Rotary Club in early spring for application details | More Information
For experienced professionals working in peace-related fields who want to enhance their professional skills, we offer a three-month program in peace and conflict prevention and resolution at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand. This program incorporates two to three weeks of field study. We award up to 50 certificates each year. Applications for the 2016-17 Rotary Peace Fellowship program are now being accepted. The deadline for applicants to submit applications to their district is 31 May. Districts must submit endorsed applications to The Rotary Foundation by 1 July.

Singapore International Pre-Graduate Award (SIGPA) for Science & Engineering StudentsDeadlines: 6 Application Deadlines per Year | More Information
The Singapore International Pre-Graduate Award (SIPGA) supports short-term research attachments for international students at A*STAR. It provides a unique opportunity for top overseas students to experience the vibrant scientific environment in A*STAR Research Institutes and Consortia. Students will be able to work with distinguished and world- renowned researchers in A*STAR labs. This award will normally be for students in the later years of a Bachelor or Master level program.

USINDO Sumitro Fellows ProgramDeadlines: Late January | More Information
The Sumitro Fellows Program honors Dr. Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, Indonesia’s senior economist who passed away in 2001. One Fellowship is available for United States citizens/permanent resident for research relating to the political economy of Indonesia. Another fellowship is available for an Indonesian citizen with a project related to the Indonesian-United States relationship.

External Scholarships for Study, Research, or Professional Development in the U.S.

American-Indonesian Exchange FoundationDeadline: Varies based on Program | More Information
The American Indonesian Exchange Foundation (AMINEF), established in 1992, is a binational non-profit foundation which administers the Fulbright and other related scholarship programs inIndonesia. The primary focus of the Fulbright Program in Indonesia is to promote mutual understanding between the Republic of Indonesia and the United States of America through educational exchange and academic scholarship.

American Institute for Indonesian Studies Deadline: Mid-November|More Information
The American Institute for Indonesian Studies (AIFIS) invites applications from American and Indonesian scholars who wish to conduct research across the field of contemporary and traditional Indonesian studies. Grants of $5,000 each are available to American and Indonesian scholars. Funds may be applied towards travel, accommodation and support, or research activities in Indonesia for American scholars. For Indonesian scholars, funds are available exclusively to support travel to the United States for the purpose of collaborating with a researcher (graduate student, faculty, or other affiliate) at a U.S. institution of higher learning. They are designed to cover travel, accommodation, and support for the Indonesian researcher while in the United States. Collaboration with an American partner is essential for these grants.

Asia Foundation Development FellowsDeadline: Early to Mid-November | More Information
The Asia Foundation Development Fellows: Emerging Leadership for Asia’s Future program provides highly qualified, young professionals from Asia with an unparalleled opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills and gain in-depth knowledge of Asia’s critical development challenges. The year-long professional advancement program draws on The Asia Foundation’s extensive 18-country network and deep expertise working with innovative leaders and communities across the region. The program is designed to be a multifaceted experience, involving intensive learning modules – short courses, conferences, and study tours in Asia and the U.S. – to enhance leadership skills, Asian development knowledge, professional networks, and international exposure.

Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholar InitiativeDeadline: Varies | Contact your local U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission for application details.
The U.S. – ASEAN Fulbright Initiative is open to university faculty, foreign ministry and government officials, and professional staff of think tanks and other NGOs in ASEAN member nations to travel to the U.S. for scholarly and professional research for three to four (3-4) months on issues that are relevant and useful to member nations, and central to the U.S. – ASEAN relationship. Fulbright US-ASEAN visiting scholars may apply to lecture and conduct research in the US in fields that will support ASEAN initiatives including but not limited to: Education, Environmental Sciences, Financial Market Integration, Food Technology, Information Sciences, Journalism, Law, Political Science, Public Administration, Public/Global Health, Social Work, Sociology, Statistics, Trade and Investment, Trade Facilitation, and TEFL & Applied Linguistics. Applicants will be expected to have a significant record of scholarly or professional accomplishment; they must be citizens of an ASEAN member nation; and they must be proficient in English. Preference will be given to qualified applicants who have not had recent and substantial experience in the United States. Applicant/s must be residing in their country of citizenship (ASEAN) throughout the nomination and selection process, and must return to the country upon completion of their U.S. stay.

Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars (SUSIs)Deadline: Varies | More Information
Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSIs) for Scholars are designed to strengthen curricula and improve the quality of teaching about the United States in academic institutions overseas. Foreign university faculty, secondary educators and other scholars spend approximately four weeks at host universities where they take part in a series of lectures, seminar discussions and site visits related to each institute’s theme. They learn about American educational philosophies, explore new teaching methods and pursue related research interests. Participants spend the remaining two weeks on a study tour, which complements the academic program and includes visits to sites of interest in another geographic region of the country. Each institute concludes with several days of meetings and related study in Washington, D.C. For eligibility and application information for the 2014 institutes, please contact the Public Affairs office of your local U.S. Embassy or visit their website.

U.S. Embassy’s in Southeast Asia – Information on Educational Exchange & Scholarships
In this section, you will find useful information on study opportunities in the U.S., and information on various Embassy sponsored exchange programs. Deadlines vary by program and country. Contact your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for more information.

USINDO Sumitro Fellows ProgramDeadlines: Late January | More Information
The Sumitro Fellows Program honors Dr. Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, Indonesia’s senior economist who passed away in 2001. One Fellowship is available for United States citizens/permanent resident for research relating to the political economy of Indonesia. Another fellowship is available for an Indonesian citizen with a project related to the Indonesian-United States relationship.

Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative – Academic Fellow ProgramDeadline: Varies by County: Mid-April to June | More Information
YSEALI Academic Fellows will take part in academic institutes in one of three core YSEALI themes:

Civic engagement

Environment and natural resources management

Entrepreneurship and economic development

These five week institutes, held on the campus of a U.S. university or college, will include an academic residency, leadership development, an educational study tour, local community service activities, and opportunities to engage with American peers. The program will conclude in Washington, D.C., to allow for engagement with policymakers, governmental representatives, businesses, and think tanks. Young leaders from all 10 ASEAN countries who members that are current undergraduate or graduate students or recently graduated. Participants are selected by their local embassy based on their background, experience, leadership record, and commitment to service. Contact your local U.S. embassy for current program information and application deadlines.

Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative – Professional Fellows ProgramDeadline: March – Mid-April | More Information
YSEALI Professionals will have five-week placements in U.S. non-profit organizations and state and local government offices. YSEALI Professional Fellows will work directly with their American counterparts to enhance their practical expertise, leadership skills, and professional contacts to address challenges and create new opportunities their home countries and communities. YSEALI Professional Fellows will work in the fields of:

Civic engagement

NGO management

Economic empowerment

Governance

Legislative process

Environmental and natural resources management

The program will conclude in Washington to allow for engagement with policymakers and networking among YSEALI Professional Fellows from across ASEAN. A select group of Americans who worked with the YSEALI Professional Fellows will then travel overseas to further strengthen relationships, continue to collaborate on issue-based projects, and mentor other YSEALI members. Young professionals from all 10 ASEAN countries who are leading change and innovation in civil society, the public sector, or the private sector.

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